Phrasal Verbs (Intermediate)

To mention a topic in conversation.

"Please don't bring up the budget during the meeting."

To understand or find a solution to a problem.

"It took me hours to figure out how this machine works."

To draw attention to something or someone.

"He was quick to point out our mistakes."

To assume control of something.

"The vice president will take over the company next year."

To feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen.

"I'm really looking forward to our vacation next month."

To finally agree to what someone wants after refusing for a period of time.

"After a long argument, she finally gave in."

To suggest or think of an idea or plan.

"We need to come up with a better marketing strategy."

To delay doing something until a later time.

"They had to put off the wedding because of the storm."

To cancel an event or agreement.

"The manager called off the meeting at the last minute."

To perform or complete a task.

"The scientists carried out several experiments."

To invent a story or excuse.

"She made up an excuse for being late."

To arrange or establish something.

"They want to set up a new business in town."

To happen in a particular way or have a particular result.

"The weather turned out to be beautiful after all."

To have no more of something left.

"We have run out of milk, I need to go to the store."

To reach the same quality or standard as someone or something else.

"If you miss classes, it's hard to catch up."

To rely on someone or something.

"You can always count on me if you need help."

To continue doing something.

"Even though he was tired, he kept on running."

To leave a school, college, or university before finishing.

"He dropped out of college to start his own company."

To behave in a way that is intended to attract attention.

"He just bought a new car and wants to show off."

To have a friendly relationship with someone.

"I get along very well with my neighbors."

To enter a building by force.

"Thieves tried to break in while we were away."

To complete a form by writing information on it.

"Please fill out this application form completely."

To delay someone or something.

"I'm sorry I'm late, I was held up in traffic."

To investigate or examine the facts of a situation.

"The police are looking into the cause of the accident."

To suddenly lose consciousness.

"It was so hot in the room that she almost passed out."

To meet someone unexpectedly.

"I ran into an old friend at the supermarket."

To begin to live a quiet and steady life.

"After years of traveling, he decided to settle down."

To be very noticeable or better than others.

"Her bright red coat made her stand out in the crowd."

To begin a new hobby or activity.

"I decided to take up tennis to stay fit."

To consider an idea or plan carefully before making a decision.

"I need a few days to think over your offer."

To change or develop into something different.

"The caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly."

To solve a problem or calculate something.

"We need to work out the total cost of the project."

To continue doing something despite difficulties.

"Please carry on with your work while I am out."

To reduce the amount of something.

"My doctor told me to cut down on sugar."

To fail to keep up with others or a schedule.

"If you don't study, you will fall behind the rest of the class."

To recover from an illness or a bad experience.

"It took her a long time to get over the flu."

To give something to a person in authority.

"Don't forget to hand in your essay by Friday."

To not include someone or something.

"You left out a very important detail in your report."

To think that you are better than someone else.

"He tends to look down on people who have less money."

To manage to see or hear something with difficulty.

"I can barely make out the sign from this distance."

To accept an unpleasant situation or person without complaining.

"I don't know how she puts up with his bad behavior."

To hit someone or something with a vehicle.

"Be careful not to run over that stray dog."

To act as a guide for someone visiting a place.

"Let me show you around the office."

To destroy a document by pulling it into pieces.

"She tore up the letter as soon as she read it."

To finish a supply of something completely.

"We have used up all the printer paper."

To use something until it becomes unusable.

"Kids wear out their shoes so quickly."

To support someone or to make a copy of computer data.

"Make sure you always back up your important files."

To stop feeling angry, upset, or excited.

"It took him a few minutes to calm down after the argument."

To become happier or to make someone happier.

"We bought her some flowers to try and cheer her up."

To visit someone informally without making an arrangement.

"Feel free to drop by my house anytime."